To my "About Me" page.

I'm so glad you could stop by for awhile. I'm sure you're here because you want to know a bit about the person behind this massive site. 

My Philosophy

"Weep not that your roses have thorns
Instead, rejoice that your thorns have roses"

I hail from the great Tarheel state of North Carolina, as does my family for fifteen generations before me. That definitely makes me bona-fide Southerner, something I am extremely proud of.

As a college student I majored in English and minored in Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke although at the time it was called Pembroke State College.

The summer following my second year there, a handsome fellow came along and swept me off my proverbial feet. Four months later we were married and have remained so for 33 years. Talk about "love at first site"!

He had been married before and was divorced, with a son who was a carbon copy of his dad. Together, we have a daughter and a son (in that order). They are all adults now and the older two have families of their own that are adorable. Our youngest son is still at home and single (although he and Amy are officially engaged). He is making a career in law enforcement.

 Rose and Jimmy - June, 2003

I enjoyed a career in the banking industry for 26 years. Then, a combination of non life-threatening illnesses ended my professional life. My husband had worked evenings for years so we were "as ships that passed in the night". Due to an unfortunate on-the-job accident, which rendered him disabled a few years ago, he and I are finally able to spend quality time together. (I'm finding out that I was  pretty smart  thirty-three years ago! )

When I am able, I entertain myself with numerous hobbies which include many of the same activities that most southern ladies enjoy such as heirloom needle work, both southern and gourmet cooking and making a home for my family, which is my first priority. My primary collections are of porcelain cardinals and roses. I have way too many of both! I also enjoy writing and have been published in historical poetry, essay articles and short stories. 

I've spent many hours researching both my own family genealogy and also Southern history. My family recorded history begins in the early 1200's as a member of the Ruthven Clan in Scotland. (They were among the kilts with William Wallace.) 

Although a lifetime native of North Carolina, I have an overwhelming attachment to Charleston, South Carolina. We have traveled there countless times and I'm always sad when we leave. There is so much to learn and I've never tired of it. I will share some of the "holy city" with you in the pages that follow.

There is much to share as you explore the rest of my pages. I hope you enjoy your stay. You will find that I have a love of music which I will share with  you as you surf about. Thanks for stopping by.